Artest admits to drinking during halftime
by Administrator on Dec.03, 2009, under Basketball
Ron Artest says in a magazine interview that he drank alcohol during halftime of games during his years with the Chicago Bulls.
During the interview, which appears in the Dec. 7 issue of The Sporting News, Artest also criticized NBA referee Joey Crawford for his conduct during the Rockets-Lakers playoff series and scoffed at comparisons with Trevor Ariza, the former Lakers player who replaced Artest on the Rockets when Artest moved to Los Angeles.
Artest told the magazine that during his career with the Bulls from 1999 through 2002, “I used to drink Hennessy … at halftime. I (kept it) in my locker. I’d just walk to the liquor store (near the arena) and get it.”
Asked if the Lakers benefited from his addition and Ariza’s departure for the Rockets, he said, “I really don’t understand why people compare me to him, or try. With what I’ve done in this league already, I mean, seriously? He’s 24. I was defensive player of the year averaging 18 points a game by the time I was 24, playing with two guys getting the ball more than me, shutting guys down. When people compare me to Ariza, I’m like, ‘Wow.’”
Asked why the Rockets signed Ariza, Artest said, “I don’t know. They wanted to probably try to keep me first. They wanted me to stay there. But I’m the type of guy, if I want $15 million a year and you offer me 12, I’m taking six from another team because I feel insulted.“I didn’t even bother to read (Houston’s) offer. I know the type of guy I am. If I’m there and not getting what I wanted, I could take it personal. So rather than be upset because I didn’t get what I wanted, I’d rather go somewhere else and be happy.”
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